The villagers gathered at the spring on the First Day, winding down, with their labor behind them. Soft murmurs filled the air as friends united; some for the first time this week. Excited energy filled the gathering after word spread of Zetetic’s return, since she would be speaking.
She wasn’t just a passing teacher, but was rooted in the founding faith of Erudition. She walked a dangerous path, ridicule in distant places, and is the planter of seeds that are now flourishing gardens.
Zetetic stepped up onto the Flat Stone, signaling for the group to settle so she could begin her message. The noise settled into hushed murmurs before silence claimed the people. She didn’t speak right away, but looked across the gathering with a warm smile, seeing the people she loved, and many she had taught in those early days.
Her raised voice resonated through the crowd, “Contentment – we are charged to be thankful in all circumstances.”
Zetetic’s eyes lost focus as she stared into the crowd, thinking of the last time she had given this message. The trickling spring faded into the background. Memory took her to the city of Mammona she had visited years prior. It was during the time she traveled with Silvanus, another faithful servant of The Living One.
They stood in the square the morning on their second day in Mammona. Silvanus had limited success the previous day. He preached The Kingdom Message, intriguing some, but today things seemed a little off.
The air was thick with the sounds of commerce. They passed by vendors loudly haggling over small profits.
A couple of men stood nearby, proudly showing off their new robes and heavy gold rings. Each was trying to outdo the other, bragging about their latest successful deal.
A beggar attempted to halt a well-dressed man who simply pushed past. “Out of the way!” he snapped.
Two women stood close, engaged in eager gossip.
“Did you hear about the Miller?” said one.
“You mean the drunkard?” the other asked with a knowing smirk.
“Yes, and it finally caught up with him,” the first laughed. “Couldn’t even repay his debts, and now his wife and kids are homeless since the debtors collected.”
“What a fool,” stated the smirking one.
The companions found an empty area in the square near the main fountain. Zetetic lifted her voice, beginning the planned message.
Most who were in earshot looked up, but soon continued their haggling and shouting. Few stopped to listen, and the ones who did returned repulsive looks. Zetetic remained undiscouraged, only getting louder. She was clear and steady, gradually attracting more listeners. More and more halted their business, paying her the attention she sought.
“Success is in the heart,” Zetetic called out, her voice rising above the marketplace commotion. “It is not gold and silver, rather prosperity in peace and love that comes from being thankful. Being thankful for all that the Giver has placed in your hands.”
A few curious eyes slowed, tilting their heads. A baker stopped to look while holding a basket of bread. Others seemed entertained, not used to anyone speaking in such a manner.
Others looked at Zetetic with twisted faces. One woman, who had paused for a moment, huffed, rolling her eyes before proceeding on her way. One passerby crossed his arms and muttered, “Nonsense,” just loud enough for those in his immediate vicinity.
A few others chuckled or shook their heads, showing they were unimpressed. One older man even spat on the ground before hurrying on.
The few who remained watched with cautious interest.
“What could you know about prosperity?” A voice rang out. “You come with nothing to offer but foolish words. If the gods favored you, then you would have something more to show.”
Silvanus motioned calmness with his hands. “Friends, hear us. Full storehouses do not measure prosperity, rather greed and reliance on carnal means. We offer bread that does not spoil. It satisfies in plenty or in lack.”
“Yes,” Zetetic joined. “Seek the Sustainer who feeds your spirit. Give thanks to Him regardless of your circumstances, and you will experience joy, peace, and all of His fruits.”
The man who first challenged them was soon joined by others clothed in similar robes. It became obvious they were of the religious order here as more of them mocked the new teaching.
“You would have us in poverty, calling it a blessing?” Another called out. “You come to us with only the clothes on your back, attempting to convince us we are the ones in need?”
The growing crowd laughed as they closed in tighter around the two.
“If we give away all we own, maybe we too will be as content as these holy beggars,” a woman shouted.
Laughter roared among the massed crowd. Now, most of the marketplace gave attention; some curious, others entertained, but many seemed angry.
Zetetic pushed back. “You say you need nothing, but you don’t realize your wretchedness. You are poor, blind and naked!”
A religious leader stepped forward; his face wrinkled as he challenged her accusation. “We are each called to make our own way!” he declared, his voice raised to overcome the hissing crowd.
“You oppose our beliefs.” The crowd quieted to hear his words. “It is irrefutably founded that the gods help them who help themselves. It is the foolish who think as you do and are punished for their carelessness. One has to be responsible, only reaping what he sows.”
“What you say is true,” declared Silvanus. “We reap what we sow, yet you sow only carnal and will reap corruption. We say sow into the Eternal Kingdom so you may reap rewards that do not wither and fade – treasures that cannot be stolen by thieves, destroyed by famine, or taken away when hard times come – rewards that endure forever.”
Anger built in the crowd. Shouts grew louder and fists were waved. Faces twisted in rage, inching closer with each remark. One shout fed the next until an undiscerning roar became deafening.
Zetetic and Silvanus looked at one another, but no comfort was found between them, only looks of concern. They began slowly backing away in panic as the crowd encroached tighter like a noose. Rotten fruit was hurled, even hitting Zetetic in the face. Others slung dust with small rocks, shouting louder until the threat of imminent violence forced them to retreat. Silvanus was knocked off balance and fell to endure a few kicks before Zetetic could grab his arm. They dashed for the city gates with the mob close behind.
There was no more reasoning, and any attempt returned insults and shoving until they neared the gates.
“Liars!” one cried out
Another screamed, “False teachers! Drive them out!”
Finally, the people subsided, only satisfied when the two were officially outside the city gates.
Zetetic’s thoughts of Mammona faded with the calming sound of trickling water. Painful thoughts of hostility slipped away, replaced by the peace and harmony of Erudition.
She paused in the middle of preaching to glimpse gentle faces peering back – eager eyes, hungry for more wisdom. Suddenly, she saw growth everywhere from mere seeds planted years prior, and even new seeds were sprouting.
Zetetic smiled softly while looking around.
There was Mara, the fisherwoman, standing at the back of the gathering. She was accompanied by Lydia, the spice vendor, and the baker. They were preparing to hand out spiced bread with olive oil stowed in Mara’s handcart. Barak, the newcomer, had paused his constant hammering and was seen sitting and listening on his claimed patch of nearby grass. The overall atmosphere felt warm with the love and care villagers displayed for one another.
Zetetic inhaled deeply, softening her voice, “Let us pray.”
All heads bowed in preparation, except Raham and Selah. They waited for Zetetic to meet eyes, returning a nod and a warm smile before they joined, bowing their own heads.
“Father,” Zetetic began. “Thank you for these. They are all my friends, and I love them dearly. Watch over them on their journey, as Your word serves as a lamp for their feet and a light to their path. Let the love between them testify to others, just as it is the proof that they are Yours.”
Her prayer was short but meaningful. A glow seemed to emanate from the gathering as a song touched lips. One started, and it quickly spread as all joined in.